Rogers' Whispers: Rangers want Feliz back in bullpen

But to make move they need to trade Young for starting pitching

March 13, 2011|By Phil Rogers, Tribune Newspapers

One reason the Rangers are looking to move Michael Young for starting pitching is Neftali Feliz apparently is headed back to the closer's role. Mark Lowe, who had been billed as a possible stopper, didn't help his cause Thursday when he walked the leadoff man with a two-run lead in the ninth. Feliz would welcome a return to the role he filled well enough to win Rookie of the Year. … Jon Garland's injury is a blow for the Dodgers, whose key is the depth of their five-man rotation. … The Angels are hoping to get first baseman Kendrys Morales on the field March 20. That's right — Kendrys. He says his first name has been misspelled Kendry since he defected from Cuba. … Jack Wilson, who has been exclusively at shortstop in his 1,202 starts, is getting a long look at second base from the Mariners, who added Brendan Ryan from the Cardinals. The Mariners are awaiting a midseason arrival by second-base prospect Dustin Ackley, MVP of the Arizona Fall League. … For about the 10th time, Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik has said Felix Hernandez isn't available. Still, the Yankees keep calling. … The Red Sox are thrilled with the development of shortstop Jose Iglesias and second baseman Oscar Tejada. As for Adrian Gonzalez? No signs of lingering shoulder problems in BP and he's about to start getting game action. … The Astros' search for a backup catcher continues after the Twins turned down overtures about Drew Butera, whose value has increased because of lingering questions about Joe Mauer's left knee. Scouts say the best backup catcher in the game is the Reds' Ryan Hanigan, who hit .300 last year and has a plus arm. He and Triple-A catcher Devin Mesoraco have looked so good this spring that Ramon Hernandez could be dealt at midseason. … The Rays' Kelly Shoppach could wind up with the Astros, as Robinson Chirinos is having a huge camp.